Fear is one of the most awful things in the world. When we live out of fear, life is not what it’s meant to be. Fear cripples us. Fear steals the joy of living. Fear paralyzes our inner beings. Exactly the opposite what God designed for us.

Every bad decision I’ve ever made can be traced back to fear.
Whenever I’ve made a decision out of fear it has led to a disaster.

Whenever you say yes because you fear that this is your last chance ever and not because you think it is the right thing to do…you act out of fear. Whenever you agree to something because you might never otherwise get married/get a job/find a house, you act out of fear. Whenever we get tired of waiting for God’s plan, we take the matter in our hands and act out of fear.

But any decision made out of fear is not what God had designed for us. Sure, God can use even our bad decisions to create something beautiful out of them. But it does not diminish the fact that fear is Satan’s way to get us out of God’s plan. Like Rick Warren has said “fear is a self imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be.”

What to do then when you are fearful? How to let go of fear?

First of all, remember “the presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident.” (Max Lucado)

Second, we can “move against it with the weapons of faith and love.” (Rick Warren)

Third, “Begin to rejoice in the Lord, and your bones will flourish like an herb, and your cheeks will glow with the bloom of health and freshness. Worry, fear, distrust, care-all are poisonous! Joy is balm and healing, and if you will but rejoice, God will give power.” (A.B. Simpson)

It’s not enough that we hold Christian truths in theory. We need to live them daily. You see, if I am not empowered by the Holy Spirit every morning, there is no way I would stay Christian very long. Because anything in theory only does not hold my interest very long. If Christian faith was just a collection of beautiful life lessons, I’d be the first one to let go of that religion. But Christian faith is much, much more than that. Christian faith is a living companionship with God.

That’s why the only way to not to live out of fear is to live with close connection to God. It means that in order to be hope-filled and fearless I need to abide in God and read his word daily. If we all remembered this, there would be so much less heart-ache. If we are ready to receive, God is happy to lavish us with his gifts: peace, joy, and boldness.

Also, do not stop reading the Word or leave God’s presence until you are fearless and grace-empowered. Sometimes it takes a little more praying and assurance from God to let go of fears than other times. Just know that God is always with you and he will strengthen you. Just don’t run away until you are enveloped with perfect peace.

Don’t fear, because I am with you;don’t be afraid, for I am your God.I will strengthen you,I will surely help you;I will hold youwith my righteous strong hand.(Isaiah 41:10, CEB)

Letting go of fear takes practice. The more we experience God’s help, the more willing we are to let go of fear in daily basis. But leaning on God is the only way to proceed with boldness. Because life is confusing and messy. But if if we are centered in God’s love, we can – by God’s grace – stop living out of fear and experience the true freedom in Christ.

Gracious God,
We praise you for your constant help and support.
Thank you for always being there for us.
Show us how to let go of our fears and
how to live out of your generous love.
Empower us with your grace to live boldly.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How do you let go of fear?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you learn to let go of fear and live out of God’s love!

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I am hosting this week One Word at a Time Blog Carnival. This week’s word is: Fear. Although this is a ‘One Word’ carnival, we have a theme for the next few weeks and the theme is “Let Go Of…” So every week we will have a word for the week, but the theme will be letting go of that word. To see all of the upcoming words and their dates, visit peterpollock.com/category/faith/carnival

Below this, you’ll find a little widget called Simply Linked. All the participants in the carnival add their links to the widget and that way we can all find and read everyone’s entries. You’re welcome to join us, the carnival is open to anyone. God bless you!

I loved Max Lucado’s book on Fear. It really helped me as a parent. I will never forget Jairus’ story of his child. He went straight to the Lord. That is how I try to handle fear…when I remember. Trying to go straight to the Lord as my default when fear encroaches. Blessings to you! Love, Rachael @ Inking the Heart. Linking with you at Ann’s

Mari-Anna, I came to your blog via Peter Pollock letting me know that the one word blog carnival is being hosted by you today. I wrote, and included my submission above, a post that stated that not all fear is necessarily bad. Some fear is good and helpful in that it prompts us to do something bold or to change the trajectory of our lives in some way. Nice to meet a “new” fellow blogger!

Great to meet you, Thomas! I am looking forward to reading your entry. Yes, any feeling, even fear or anger, can be a blessing, too. It can protect us from harm. Thank you for joining us and taking time to comment too. Abundant blessings to you!

I realized that I was allowing fear to control me. My husband just switched from a salary job to a commission job and is the only provider. Out of fear I had began selling things online for extra income. I realized I was not having faith in my husband or God by doing this and I’m pulling the ads and donating all the items I was going to sell because that is what I’ve always done. Stepping out in faith and over fear.

Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing. Doing things out of fear is not peaceful and, yes, it can be a sign of distrust. But when we do the very same thing out of love, it can become a peace-filled experience. So pray about it….if you’re able to let go of fear and sell things out of love, it might end up being a blessing. But, yes, you are wise to pull of if you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. Do step out in faith and over fear! May God bless your socks off!

This really touched me because I have just come back from Brazil from seeing the pope but I need to get back in shape for the soccer season which begins in 2 weeks. I am afraid of starting up again because I am afraid I will not do well during the season even if I try. However, In your post I realized that without Gods grace and Love I feel powerless many times and fall into sin which also puts me down and more fearful. I would’ve wished this post was longer but this was perfect.

Thank you for your kind words, Julio. It’s a blessing to know this helped you. Just remember Phillippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Pray hard, play for God and go for it! Abundant blessings to you as you begin this new season! God is with you!